The chase began when a Batesburg-Leesville officer noticed the car driving in the wrong lane, said state Highway Patrol spokesman Josef Robinson. The officer turned on emergency lights and sirens to try to pull the car over, but it sped off, authorities said.

The chase reached speeds of 100 mph before the driver lost control of the car at the intersection.

"That car was just torn to pieces," said county Deputy Coroner Todd Caughman.

No one in the car was wearing a seat belt.

The state Highway Patrol is investigating the accident, and Batesburg-Leesville police would not comment on the crash or the department's pursuit policies.

Death spurs doubts on mental health court

CHARLESTON -Local officials want to re-evaluate the county's Mental Health Court after an offender released from jail for treatment met with tragic consequences.

The court, the first of its kind in South Carolina, began in January and allows people with mental disorders who are charged with nonviolent crimes to get treatment and avoid prison. The process can take two to six weeks.

Asberry Wylder, a 41-year-old schizophrenic with substance-abuse problems, had been free for a week when he was fatally shot by North Charleston police after he reportedly stole ham from a supermarket.